Gian van Veen, the reigning European Darts Champion and a World Championship finalist, has officially launched his highly anticipated signature dart range with Winmau. This exciting collection features four distinct dart sets, offering options for every player level – from an affordable brass entry point perfect for beginners to three premium 90% tungsten models designed for serious competitors. Each set reflects ‘The Giant’s’ professional preferences and is crafted to help players elevate their game.
Gian van Veen: A Rising Star’s Remarkable Journey
At just 21 years old, Gian van Veen has rapidly ascended to the elite ranks of professional darts. A former Red Dragon protégé since age 12, his recent achievements are nothing short of phenomenal. Last October, he made history by becoming the youngest-ever European Champion in Dortmund, triumphing over Luke Humphries in a thrilling 11-10 final. His incredible run continued to the World Championship final in January, solidifying his position as the world number three. Currently, he’s back in Dortmund, ready to defend his European title, showcasing the determination and skill that have inspired his new dart collection.
The Gian van Veen Signature Range: Precision for Every Player
Winmau’s new Gian van Veen collection mirrors the four-tier structure seen in other top professional ranges, ensuring a perfect dart for every budget and playing style. Darts expert AJ Urmston-Toft, from the Round the Board Podcast, has thoroughly reviewed the entire range, providing valuable insights.
1. The Gian van Veen Brass Darts: The Ideal Starting Point
- Material: Brass
- Grip: Features an intricate, multi-cut grip design.
- Aesthetics: Includes a stylish brass accent on the mid-to-top section of the barrel.
- Components: Comes complete with Pro stems and Pro flights.
- Weight: Available exclusively in 21g.
- Price: Positioned as a budget-friendly option at £19.99.
- Perfect For: AJ Urmston-Toft praises this set as a “fantastic entry-level dart” for newcomers to the game or fans looking to own a piece of ‘The Giant’s’ gear.
2. The Gian van Veen TS Darts: Stepping Up to Professional Tungsten
The TS (Tungsten Standard) is the first of the premium tungsten options, designed for players seeking improved performance and feel.
- Material: High-quality 90% Tungsten. (Tungsten’s high density allows for thinner, more compact barrels at heavier weights, enabling tighter groupings on the dartboard.)
- Finish: Features a sleek black finish with natural tungsten highlights.
- Grip: Equipped with a refined micro grip.
- Aesthetics: Two distinctive gold rings, sourced from 24-carat gold, are positioned at the top of the barrel. AJ highlights how this gold detail truly “stands out when a dart sits in the treble 20,” offering both style and a visual cue.
- Points: Includes Winmau’s innovative Switch Points, cut to Van Veen’s specific preference at 40mm. Switch Points are interchangeable dart points that allow players to customize the length, grip, or color of their points without needing specialized tools. These longer points are crucial for Gian, as he prefers the extra length to help him “stack his darts” tightly together in the board, a technique vital for maximum scoring.
- Weight: Available in heavier options: 23g, 24g, and 25g.
- Price: Priced at £54.99.
3. The Gian van Veen TS Pro Darts: The ‘Sleeper’ Pick for Enhanced Grip
AJ Urmston-Toft identifies the TS Pro as the potential “sleeper” of the range, offering a significant upgrade in grip and control.
- Material: Another superb 90% Tungsten set.
- Finish: Features a black finish complemented by the elegant 24-carat gold accent at the top.
- Grip: This set boasts a micro grip enhanced with lateral cuts, which significantly “adds more bite” and provides a more secure feel.
- Player Suitability: AJ believes these darts will be particularly appealing to players who require extra grip for consistent throwing.
- Professional Connection: Keen observers may recognize this set as being virtually identical to a prototype ‘The Giant’ was using during the latter part of the Premier League campaign, offering players a direct link to his professional equipment.
4. The Gian van Veen W-Max Darts: Ultimate Control and Premium Style
The W-Max represents the pinnacle of the Gian van Veen range, designed for maximum grip and a premium playing experience.
- Material: Top-tier 90% Tungsten.
- Grip: The grippiest of the four sets, featuring a sophisticated diamond grip that combines both lateral and bilateral cuts across the front and middle of the barrel for unparalleled control.
- Aesthetics: A prominent gold accent once again graces the top of the barrel. AJ notes that the gold looks fantastic, whether against your hand or the dartboard.
- Points: Comes with two sets of Switch Points (one silver, one gold), allowing for personal customization and aesthetic choice. This flexibility allows players to adapt their darts to different playing conditions or personal preferences.
- Flights: Includes exclusive Fusion flights, proudly displaying the GVV logo.
- Weight: Available in 22g, 23g, and 24g.
Beyond the Darts: Exclusive Membership
Every set in the Gian van Veen signature range comes with an added bonus: one month of Autodarts Plus membership. This allows players to enhance their practice and game analysis with advanced features.
Expert Verdict: A Celebration of Quality and Potential
AJ Urmston-Toft’s overall verdict on the Gian van Veen range is overwhelmingly positive. He sees it as a “celebration of quality”, benefiting both the player and the manufacturer. With options tailored for every level, from absolute beginners to advanced professionals, there truly is something for everyone. AJ confidently predicts that Gian van Veen is destined to remain “one of the top professionals for a long time to come,” and this signature range is a testament to his burgeoning legacy.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
